R. Buckminster Fuller Prof. in Practice of Design Science (part-time), Assoc. Prof. in Practice of Design Science (part-time), or Associate Professor in Design Science (full-time, tenure track) at Harvard University – Cambridge, Massachusetts

Harvard University

Position

Details

TitleR. Buckminster Fuller Professor in Practice of Design Science (part-time), Associate Professor in Practice of Design Science (part-time), or Associate Professor in Design Science (full-time, tenure track)SchoolHarvard Graduate School of DesignDepartment/AreaPosition DescriptionHonoring the legacy of R. Buckminster Fuller as a designer, inventor, and scientist who was committed to addressing pressing planetary and societal concerns, this newly established endowed professorship will support a visionary scholar and/or practitioner at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. We seek individuals who support and expand upon the school’s mission by demonstrating a systemic, ethical, and innovative approach to global issues, through scholarship and/or design of contemporary relevance and urgency. The future of our planet and the quest for sustainable design solutions rank high among these issues.

We are especially interested in someone with a record of cross-disciplinary research and/or practice. The successful candidate will be appointed within the department that is most appropriate to their primary field of expertise but will be expected to bridge across all the disciplines represented in the GSD’s academic departments and non-departmental programs, as well as establishing collaborative research and pedagogy with other Harvard schools. This position is envisioned with a certain degree of latitude. The role is for a full-time tenure track associate professor or a part-time junior or senior practice position that will engage with and teach in one or several of the school’s degree programs. These include architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and design, design studies, design engineering, and doctoral studies. Importantly, the successful candidate will have the capacity to address the needs of the Master in Design Studies and Master in Design Engineering programs in particular.

The successful candidate will also be an effective and experienced teacher and can demonstrate a record of outstanding creative research through scholarship and/or practice that advances one or more disciplines.

Basic QualificationsAcademic qualifications depend on the profile of the successful applicant. Candidates who pursue largely scholarly research are generally expected to hold a Doctoral degree, while design practitioners may have an alternative terminal degree, appropriate to support the appointment rank.

The faculty search committee will review applications on a rolling basis starting in March 2026.

Additional QualificationsSpecial Instructions Initial Submission

Candidates should submit:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• If relevant, selected material from your portfolio, including publications, plans, reports, or design work, depending on experience, up to 25 mb
• Names and contact information for a minimum of three referees. (Candidates will be notified regarding requests for evaluation letters during the subsequent phase of the recruitment process. Please note that your referees may or may not be asked for letters.)

Subsequent Submission

At a later date, candidates advancing in the selection process will be asked to provide additional material.

Contact InformationEmmy Ly, Senior Coordinator, Faculty Affairs

Contact Emailely@gsd.harvard.eduSalary RangeSalary commensurate with experience and dependent on the position type at hire:

• Professor in Practice hiring range: Full-time salary $180,000-$230,000 (pro-rated based on time commitment, generally between 50% and 75% FTE)
• Associate Professor in Practice hiring range: Full-time salary $135,000-$165,000 (prorated based on time commitment, generally between 50% and 75% FTE)
• Associate Professor (full-time, tenure track) hiring range: $135,000 – $165,000

Minimum Number of References Required3Maximum Number of References AllowedKeywords

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment StatementHarvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard’s academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university’s non-discrimination policy. Harvard’s equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter
3. Other

Optional Documents